Now’s the perfect time to plant trees with Greenshade Rebates

Autumn weather in San Antonio creates ideal conditions for planting trees. As the cooler temps and rain return, newly planted trees get their shot at establishing their root systems and having a chance at success.

Grab a shovel and your Greenshade rebate and plant a tree. Arbor Day is November 5. But don’t forget to call 811 first. Courtesy photo

That’s why in our neck of the woods, we celebrate Arbor Day, the national tree planting event, in fall rather than in spring like much of the rest of the country.

This year, Arbor Day in San Antonio takes place Saturday, November 5 at Rosedale Park, starting at 9AM. The City is planning a day of service in the park that will include planting 50 trees, and mulching and pruning existing ones. Tree adoptions, educational booths and other activities are also on tap.

Those interested in volunteering for the Arbor Day Tree Plantings can contact Meredith Tilley with the Parks Department, 210.207.8603, to register.

For property owners interested in increasing the tree canopy at their homes or businesses, we suggest taking advantage of CPS Energy’ Green Shade Tree Rebates. The rebates reward those who plant a minimum five-gallon tree of select native species on the west, south or east side of a home or building with a $50 credit on their CPS Energy bill.

Trees like this heritage Live Oak at San Pedro Park help keep our city cool, slow down run-off, and provide habitat for wildlife. Courtesy photo

The offer runs between now and April 30. All you have to do is save your receipt and fill out this Green Shade Tree Rebate form. Rebates are limited to five, or $250, per customer address. Since its inception in 2009, 8,600 have been planted.

“Why do the City and CPS Energy care about planting trees in the San Antonio area?

“CPS Energy continues to partner with the City of San Antonio on the tree rebate program because of the benefits to customers and the environment,” said Kim Stoker, Sr. Director, Environmental Planning, Compliance & Sustainability for CPS Energy.

Here’s a few more reasons:

1. Trees conserve energy/cool the city

According to the Arbor Day Foundation, “When planted properly, a single tree can save a homeowner up to 20% on energy costs.” In general, the temperature in the shade in a city under a mature tree is 10 degrees less than in the sun.

2. Trees save water

Tree shade protects lawns and plants from water evaporation–surely you’ve noticed how plants in the shade require less water. Also, trees slow rain run-off and soil erosion, an important quality in the “flash flood alley” of San Antonio. And, as they transpire, the tree equivalent of sweating, trees contribute moisture to the atmosphere.

3. Trees clean the air

Trees absorb pollutants like nitrogen oxides, ammonia, sulfur dioxide and ozone while restoring oxygen to the atmosphere through photosynthesis. Trees also filter polluting particulates from the air by trapping them on leaves and bark.

4. Trees combat climate change

Trees absorb carbon dioxide (CO2) while releasing the oxygen back into the air. According to several studies, an acre of mature trees absorbs the same amount of CO2 produced by driving a car 26,000 miles.

5. Trees increase property values

Real estate agents will tell you that trees add major curb appeal to buildings and homes. A well-planted property with mature trees can increase property values by as much as 15 percent.

Convinced? All you have to do is buy a five-gallon or larger tree, save the receipt, then send in the application. The rebates apply to select native species. If you need help choosing an appropriate tree, check out the CPS Energy Tree guide for details.

Need help picking out and planting your tree? Check out our guide to Trees for the San Antonio Region.

Before you start digging, don’t forget to Call 811 Before You Dig. Not only could you damage an underground utility line when shoveling, utility line damage can occur later as the tree matures. Roots may interfere with utility lines and disrupt service, requiring removal. Also, trees planted too close to buildings can damage foundations.

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If trees save so much water why then does the COSA let developers rape and pillage them to the ground. Shameful policies and short sighted. One only needs to go to a place like Austin where trees are cherished to see the difference between a good policy and scorched earth policy like San Antonio.